Tony Bish is a legend of New Zealand winemaking who spent decades making such iconic wines as Sacred Hill's Rifleman's Chardonnay. Now he is channeling his Chardonnay expertise into his own labels, which he produces in a stylish urban winery he has set up in Napier. Much of his wine is aimed at delivering classy examples of the the rich and creamy, 'old school' style of Chardonnay. But Tony's incredible touch and experience ensures that each wine is balanced and refined - even with all their big, bold appeal.

The latest release of Tony Bish's limited edition top Chardonnay, under a label which Jamie Goode has said "may be the best NZ Chardonnay I have ever tried". Presented in a stunning black box, the Zen is the first Chardonnay in the world to have been made exclusively in an Ovum, i.e. a 200L vessel in this case made of Taransaud oak and shaped like an egg, to enhance lees contact and texture. The fruit is from the Skeetfield Vineyard, a site just out of Fernhill where 25 year old vines of dry-farmed Mendoza Chardonnay supply Tony's two top labels. A stunning wine of immense refinement and depth, the Zen is at least as delicious as it is collectible.

"Bright, pale yellow-gold with some depth, faintly lighter edged. The bouquet is voluminous with purity, aromas of roasted hazelnuts, barrel spice, melded with yellow peaches, citrus, brioche and a wildflower, chamomile underlay. Medium-full bodied, the palate is well-rounded and smooth, aromas of lemon curd, yellow peaches, have an elegant core, adorned by wildflower, chamomile underlay. Restrained roasted hazelnuts, barrel spices grow in volume, added structure to the well-rounded palate, the subtle spices and pure fruit intensity lead to an elegant, lengthy, lingering finish. The palate is buttery in the most elegant way, along a chalky mineral line; buoyant acidity flow smoothly and seamlessly. This wine has elegance yet has the rawness and authenticity that intrigues and blow-my-mind. This is a unique and authentic Chardonnay in the purest and most elegant form, with strength and intensity. Match with squid-ink risotto and crayfish over the next 6-8 years. The third release, single-vineyard Skeetfield block, Mendoza clone. Handpicked, fermented in French oak ovum egg and new French oak barriques to 13.5%. Full MLF. 19.5 pts" -  Raymond Chan Wine Reviews